GREECE18_NAFPLIO
DAY 9-10 | NAFPLIO
DAY 9 | September 7, 18
Today we headed out early on our way towards Nafplio, known for it’s sea port and it’s fortress. On the way we stopped The Corinth Canal; a canal created by the Romans that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.
After that we continued on until we hit Acronafplia; an ancient ruin site. I learned that this site was home to an ancient civilization that existed before the Greeks. Dating back to 1,500 B.C. It was here that the first generation of heros were born; Homer’s heros originated from this area. It was here, that Menelaus’s married Helen of Troy who later rode away with her lover Paris, ultimately starting the Trojan war.
The ruins are laid out high in the mountains. They take you through the museum first; which is a nice way to get a feel for what the civilization both looked and felt like. Inside you see many clay jars, tools, jewelry, statues and figures. After viewing the museum pieces and getting an idea of what the ruins would have been like nearly 2,000 years ago we headed up the concrete stairs and over to the ruins.
Entering the ruins you are greeted by two (now) headless lions that stand overhead. From there you make your way up the through the windy curves that make up what was once a city. At the top you find a few perfect traditional olive trees that decorate the ruins. We continued to soak in the view and explore the various parts that made up what was once alive and thriving. One of the most interesting parts was a cistern or tunnel, once used for collecting water. Darlene, a fellow traveler, and I went down to explore the cave and find out how deep it went. (We were in a time crunch and I didn’t have a flashlight). She had her phone and managed to go so far down that she began to disappear into an abyss of blackness, her voice include. I went as far as I could without stepping on what became blackened stairs. (Also, I might add I saw many spider webs at the top, which made it a little less appealing as I hate spiders, but still, a cave that leads to who knows where and is 2,000 years old, can’t help but make you feel a tiny bit like Indiana Jones.)
Finally we made our way to the City of Nafplio. Upon arriving the first thing you notice is the Palamidi Fortress on the hillside, followed by the tall mountains and sea. We began with a walk around the town; exploring the shops, museums and alley streets. What makes this town so unique, in my opinion, is that it looks very much as though it has an Italian influence; which was later confirmed by a Greek we met at dinner.
The streets are lined in what looks like white cobblestone marble. There are hanging flower vines and plants that line the staircases leading the way to homes above the numerous shops. Each shop is decorated with such unique style and ambiance. As you walk through the streets you notice hanging lanterns, flags and decor overhead. People walk from place to place or stop to chat with a neighbor across the way. In the evening the town square is lit up with lights from every shop, alley and local street vendors. You even see a vendor passing out twinkle lights to kids who throw them in the air. As we were walking we passed by what looked like a Cinderella carriage, with twinkle lights, being pulled by a donkey.
For dinner we stopped at an amazing little restaurant, called Caffe Rosso; it was Rachel’s birthday today so naturally we got pasta and risotto, followed by a special surprise chocolate lava cake and vanilla ice cream. Happy 24th Rachey. Glad I got to spend it with you on the other side of the world!
DAY 10 | September 8, 18
Today was kind of a wash-day. There was a lot of van driving and a red eye ferry ride. I will say however that the clouds in Greece, to me, seem very unique (or as unique as clouds get). As you travel you have a lot of time to think and also stare out the windows. In general, I am a picture person and love to think of analogies and metaphors. Here, in Greece, I’ve seen everything from lions, Pegasus’, dragons, people and more; I could go on and on. I’m no cloud expert but the style of these clouds was defiantly memorable. Lol okay, I’m done about the clouds.
A highlight was waking up in the morning with Rachel and going on a run through the mountainous cliff side by the sea. I love both the mountains and the ocean, so running on a tiny trail carved into the side of the mountain, with a high fortress in the distance, the mountain to one side the sea to the other, feels like a dream. Staring off into the sea leaves a lot of time to think about perspective. It reminds me of how small we really are in this world; that this world is so much bigger then ourselves. The sea itself, to me is such an interesting part of creation because I find it full of pulling contradictions. It’s always changing yet always constant. It’s always predictable and still unpredictable. Lastly, it’s both wild and uncontrollable yet approachable and appealing; which is both scary, exciting and beautiful all at the same time.
Ray note: This was actually one of my favorite days. Jen and I went for a run in the morning in Nafplio before we left which was amazing, with beautiful views of the coast along the base of the Palamidi Fortress. Stopped at the cutest little merchant/homemade shop in Nafplio before leaving, the shop was called Taste and the shop owner was Julia. We stopped at the ancient site of Epidaurus (an UNESCO site), which most of the group opted to do. A sudden rain storm hit hard while at the site and continued on and off for the rest of the afternoon, on our way to Pireas, the port near Athens city center. The red eye night ferry was interesting, to say the least. I would not highly recommend. Horrible beds and not great food.
